Mayuri Naidu on why 'Lucky Fish' is reel gold

IF YOU enjoyed the crossover appeal of local films like Material, The Kandasamys franchise, Material, Kings of Mulberry Street and Three Days to Go, then Lucky Fish should pique your interest.

- DEBASHINE THANGEVELO

Aside from the casting of household names like Jailoshini Naidoo and Jack Devnarain, it is helmed by Meren Reddy, who wears the hats of co-writer with Craig Gardner, executive producer, as well as the film’s lead, Sanjay Pillay.

And Mayuri Naidu, who has several films and TV shows under her belt (Binnelanders, Savage Beauty, Kings of Mulberry Street: Let Love Reign, Noughts + Crosses and Reyka), is among the principal cast as Samantha.

In a recent interview with Naidu, she shed light on the shoot, the storyline and why the character was so close to her heart.

Her excitement and praise were not merely hype for the film; her compliments were genuine and not overdone. And it is a testament to the writers and director Joshua Rous.

The film’s title is a playful nod to canned fish, which has been a culinary staple in many South African homes for generations.

It centres on Sanjay, a small-town sardine-canning company owner, facing financial troubles, who sponsors a beauty pageant as a publicity stunt. He is joined by his twin sister, Samantha, and a motley group of beauty queen hopefuls.

Of course, a few artful characters attempt to thwart his plans along the way, leaving him in a Catch-22 situation.